REVISE DEFINITION OF "FIREARM"

House Bill 5450

Sponsor:  Rep. Mike Shirkey

Committee:  Judiciary

Complete to 10-1-14

A REVISED SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5450 AS INTRODUCED 4-17-14

The bill would revise the definition of "firearm" in the Michigan Handgun Act.  Currently, the term means a weapon from which a dangerous projectile may be propelled by an explosive, or by gas or air.  The term excludes a smooth bore rifle or handgun designed and manufactured exclusively for propelling by a spring, or by gas or air, BBs not exceeding .177 caliber.  House Bill 5450 would delete the highlighted text "smooth bore."

MCL 28.421

FISCAL IMPACT:

By eliminating "smooth bore" from the definition of a firearm, there could be a decrease in the number of offenses related to these weapons.  As a result, costs could decrease for the state and/or local units of government.  There could also be a decrease in penal fine revenues which would decrease funding for local libraries, which are the constitutionally-designated recipients of those revenues. 

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Robin Risko

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.